Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#31344
Megaselia scalaris - female

Megaselia scalaris - Female
Henryetta, Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, USA
September 11, 2005
Size: aprox. 3mm
This small fly landed on my table as I was sitting down to dinner. I believe that they are common around food in the house (tho I have never seen one this close so there may be several different types ).

Phoridae.
Wow, what a magnificent shot of a phorid fly! It is likely Megaselia scalaris, as I understand that is overwhelmingly the most common species indoors. I will be getting back to you on this shot, as I think we still need an image for the field guide.

 
micro fly
Thanks for the ID Eric.

 
Confirmed by expert.
You're welcome, Charles:-) I sent a link to my friend Dr. Brian Brown at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. He is a world authority on Phoridae, and he confirmed the ID, adding it is a female.

 
M. scalaris
Thanks, Eric. Image moved from Phoridae to new species page as per Dr. Brown's ID.